Cathay is committed to supporting youth development in Hong Kong. Its flagship I Can Fly programme is a crucial initiative to promote aviation and encourage young people to contribute to society.
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After a five-year hiatus, the I Can Fly programme made its highly anticipated return today, welcoming around 300 students with a passion for aviation to participate in the programme’s ninth pledging ceremony, which marks the 20th anniversary of the programme.
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau welcomed Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung as the guest of honour at the pledging ceremony.
Lam Sai-hung said: “I would like to sincerely thank Cathay for its continuous efforts in developing various community projects to promote youth development. I am honoured to attend the pledging ceremony for the ‘I Can Fly’ programme, which has resumed for the first time since the pandemic. For 20 years, this programme has introduced more than 4,000 students to the world of aviation, planting the seeds to inspire them to become Hong Kong aviation professionals. It also reflects the Cathay volunteers’ dedication to making a positive impact through their own experiences. I wish all participants every success and hope they shine brightly after joining this wonderful journey.”
Lavinia said, “We are delighted to have the Cathay I Can Fly programme return after five years. With our deep roots in Hong Kong, Cathay is committed to doing our part to support our local community, and one of the areas that is incredibly close to our hearts is youth development. Through the various youth development initiatives we organise and contribute to, we are determined to help develop local talent and provide opportunities for young people to move forward.
“We are extremely proud to have seen thousands of students graduate from our I Can Fly programme since its launch, and we hope that this year’s members will similarly be able to realise their dreams and spread their wings. I would like to sincerely thank all of our Cathay volunteers who have given their personal time and professional knowledge to make this year, the 20th anniversary of the programme, a great success. I firmly believe that together, we will positively impact our community as we strive to achieve our vision of becoming one of the world’s greatest service brands.”
Launched in 2003, the I Can Fly programme combines aviation know-how and social service, empowering young people to reach their dreams. Through this unique educational experience, members gain valuable insights into the aviation world while building their personal development and achieving their aspirations.
Over four thousand members have graduated from the programme since its launch, with many taking up careers within the aviation industry. Under the guidance of Cathay volunteer leaders, members will engage in a series of aviation activities. These include visits to various aviation facilities, aviation-related training and the brand-new addition to the programme – the exchange tour to Zhuhai.
Members will also design and implement social service projects to contribute to the community. Selected members with outstanding performance will have the opportunity to take part in an aviation experiential trip this summer, further exploring different aspects of aviation and fostering cross-cultural interactions.
Cathay’s deep commitment to youth development was on full display with its contributions to various programmes, such as the Strive and Rise Programme, the I Can Fly programme, the Cadet Pilot Training Programme, the Cathay Hackathon, collaboration with the Vocational Training Council, and various summer internship and graduate trainee programmes.
Over the years, Cathay has also organised various community initiatives to support local groups with special needs, including volunteer services to provide homework support and mentorship for children.
